NRL 2021: Michael Cheika believes Shaun Johnson would be a triple threat in rugby union
Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika believes off-contract Sharks star Shaun Johnson has the perfect skill set to be a “triple threat” in rugby union.
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Shaun Johnson would prove a success in rugby union with the off-contract NRL star boasting a skill set that would make him an attacking “triple threat” in the 15-man game.
That’s the opinion of former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who Johnson recently met to discuss a possible cross-code switch.
Johnson’s future at Cronulla is clouded with no guarantee that incoming Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon will retain him next year. The 30-year-old former Kiwi Test playmaker has made a tentative return in his three games back from a major Achilles injury.
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He ran just three times for 18 metres in the Sharks’ heavy 48-0 loss to Penrith on Friday.
However, Cheika says Johnson only needs to have the motivation to make the jump to prove a success in rugby union.
“I think league players who believe they can make the cross can do it, especially the backs,” Cheika said. “If you look at Shaun Johnson, he’s got everything.
“He’s got footwork, he’s got the kicking game, he’s got a running game as well.
“One of the big things you want from your inside half (five-eighth) is a running game, a distribution game and a kicking game, all at the same time.
“In league, the kicking game is coming more at the back end of the set, whereas in union, a player like Shaun would want all those threats around at the same time.
“He’s definitely got that triple threat skill set.
“The defensive demands aren’t as big in union, he wouldn’t make as many tackles.
“I have no doubt if he’s motivated that way, he’d be a success in rugby (union).’’
Cheika, a former World Rugby Coach of the Year who is working in a consultancy role with the Sydney Roosters, has connections and ties throughout the rugby globe.
Johnson’s marketing appeal to cashed-up Japanese rugby union clubs would be undeniable with Super Rugby players in Australia earning three to four times more by taking their game to Japan.
Johnson last played rugby union for his New Zealand high school, Orewa College.
Cheika stopped short of divulging what he told Johnson when they met.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of different players over the years who have crossed to union, or who have thought about crossing over to union,’’ Cheika said.
“You get a clear understanding pretty quickly on who wants it and who gets it.
“I actually think more players are going to go and come back and go and come back because its just a natural evolution and if you want the best players in the game, why not?
“Look at the interest that‘s been stoked around TJ Perenara (former All Black headed to the Roosters) coming, that broadens the scope of supporters as well.
“All of a sudden rugby fans are looking at league with a different mindset.”
Johnson has recently met the Broncos with his playing future still undecided in the Shire.
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